Sheet-delivery mechanism for printing-presses and other machines.



R. MIEHLE. SHEET DELIVERY MECHANISM FOR PRINTING PRESSES AND OTHER MACHlNES.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT-1|.l9l6.

Patented Jan. 21,1919.

4$T|EETS--SHT INVENTOI? R. MIEHLE. SHEET DELIVERY MECHANISM FOR PRINTING PRESSES AND OTHER MACHINES.

Patented Jan. 21

4 SHEETSWSNEEI 2.

INVENTOR APPUCATION FILED SEPT- H. I9l6.

R. MIEHLE.

SHEET DELIVERY MECHANISM FOR PRINTING PRESSES AND OTHER MACHINES. APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 1 I, ma.

1 ,291 ,999. Patented Jan. 21, 1919.

4 SHEETS-SHEEI 3.

N INVENTOR R. MIEHLE. 'SHEET DELIVERY MECHANISM FOR PRINTING PRESSES AND OTHER MACHINES.

4 SHEEN-SHE 4.

Patented Jan. 21, 1919.

.5 M v w M Q QQ 3 MB 9 M 9 b GE w Q QN 1 9 WI TNE 88E 8:

ROBERT MIEHLE, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

SHEET-DELIVERY MECHANISM FOR PRINTING-PRESSES AND OTHER MACHINES.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Jan. 21, 1919.

Application filed September 11, 1916. Serial No. 119,346.

. off this specification.

My invention relates to sheet carriers for printing presses which are employed in delivering sheets though not limited to use on printing presses alone.

A mechanism embodying the featuresof my invention is readily adapted to deliver the sheets upon one or more piles. The point of delivery may be at the customary piling table, which is generally positioned directly over the inking mechanism, or a piling table or elevator positioned in front of the press proper, or to both places, or, if desired, to a number of points in front of the press proper.

One feature of my invention relates to an improved delivery mechanism for delivering 'upon a plurality of piles which is well adapted for receiving sheets from printing presses and which gives the printed portions of the sheets a relatively .long time to dry before another sheet is placed upon the same.

Another feature relates to a delivery mechanism for delivering sheets upon a plurality of piles which is. adapted to be manipulated to vary the number of points ofdehvery whereby all the sheets may be delivered upon a reduced number 0f.piles if so desired. Another feature relates to a delivery mechanism adapted to deliver sheets upon a plurality of piles and adapted to be manipulated to vary the number of points of de-v livery and which may be manipulated to select the place of deposit when the delivery is manipulated to deliver sheets at a reduced number of points.

Another feature relates to a delivery mechanism adapted to deliver sheets at various points and adapted to be manipulated to select the place of deposit.

- In the U. S. Patent No. 1,111,667 I have shown and described an improved sheet delivery mechanism and the present invention, in its preferred embodiment. lncludes a delivery mechanism having a sheet supporting element operating similarly to the one disclosed in said patent, and which, when so used, has additional advantages. However, the features of this invention are not to be limited to a device ,including sucha sheet supporting element as it is conceivable that the numerous features of the resent invention can be used to advantage in other types of delivery mechanisms.

Another feature relates to a sheet supporting element moving outwardly and inwardly while operating to carry and deliver sheets, and sheet stop mechanism having similar movements and so timed that the stop mechanism moves outwardly durin the initial movement of the sheet supporting structure inwardly to allow the stop mechanism to move away from the sheet so as not to cause interference during the discharge of the sheet.

Another feature resides in providing a structure whereby sheet stops moving with the sheet may be adapted to a mechanism including a sheet supporting element operating similarly to that disclosed in said patent, which cannot interfere with the discharge of the sheets. v

A structure .embracing the above-mentioned features allows printed sheets to be delivered at a relatively great speed without necessitating slip sheeting for the sheets are delivered slower in proportion to the number of piles upon which the sheets are delivered, the arrangement allowing the sheets to be delivered upon a reduced number of piles, if desired. However, my present in vention has other uses, such as separating slip sheets from finished stock, and is nbt to be limited to the use herein shown and described.

The invention consists in other features of novelty in construction and arrangement hereinafter fully described and claimed. reference being had to the accompanying drawings showing portions of so much of the preferred embodiment as are necessary to an understanding of the invention.

In the drawings: Figure I is a partial sectional side view of a sheet delivery embodyshows both points of delivery in front of the press, Fig. III is a partial sectional side view of the same showing a variation in theadtiP- tation of the invention, Fig. IV is a partial top plan of the mechanism as shown in ,Fig. I, Fig. V is a partial sectional side View of one adaptation of the invention, Fig. V1 is a sectional side view of a portion of the driving mechanism, Fig. VII is a partial sectional top plan of the driving mechanism, Fig. VIII is. an enlarged partial sectional view of a portion of the delivery mechanism, Fig. IX is a partial sectional side view of a port-ion of the driving mechanism.

Like parts are indicated bysimilar characters of reference throughout the different figures.

The printing press structure. from which the sheets are delivered is generally indicated by the reference character 1, and inasmuch as the apparatus of my invention is not to be limited to any particular type of press or machine it is not necessary to give a detail description of the press, portions of which are indicated in the accompanying drawings.

The sheets are initially delivered from the press upon conveying mechanism 2. This mechanism and its operating means are so well known as not torequire description. The sheets are transferred from sheet conveying mechanism 2 to the sheet delivery of my invention over guide fingers 3.

The sheet delivery mechanism is driven from the press by means hereinafter described and which will be better understood after the delivery mechanism proper and its upon shaft 5, which is driven from the press mechanism, meshes with and drives pinion 6 fixedly mounted upon shaft 7, upon which sprocket wheels 8 are mounted, one upon each side of the sheet delivery mechanism. An endless sprocket chain 10 is disposed upon upon each side of the sheet delivery structure, said chains being driven by the sprocket wheels 8 and in turn passing over idler sprockets 11, the wheels 8 and 11 defining the orbits in which chains 10 travel. 1

Delivery frames 37 are disposed upon each side of the delivery mechanism and are supported from the main press structure 1. Extension delivery frames 38' are secured to frames 37 by means of bolts 39. The sprockets 11 are rotatably mounted atthe outer ends of frames 38 by means of studbolts 40 which are easily removable for purposes hereinafter described.

The chains 10 carry blght or loop form- "mg and engaging elements 12 which are desirably In the form of rollers rotatably mounted upon and dividing the chains 10 into two equal parts. Additional bight or loop forming elements areemployed which are preferably mounted upon the yoke strucmenace ture 17. Endless conveyor belts or tapes 14 engage the rollers 12, pulleys 13 and gripping devices '15 and 16 in'the manner indicated in .the drawings and fully described in my United States Patent Number 1,111,667. The elements 12 constitute supporting structures, which engage the respective ends of the tape stretches of the belts 14 to support the same, the yoke' structures 17 being engageable with these tape stretches between the ends thereof to form bights or loops therein.

The chains 10 also carry rods 19 mounted upon said chains 10 in close proximity to and following rollers 12 as they travel in a clockwise direction along their inclosed path, as defined by chain 10, as indicated in the drawings. Defiecting pulleys 27 arerotatably mounted upon rods 19 at proper intervals and engage belts 14.- while on the upper stretch of their travel for purposes set forth and fully described in my application for United States Patent, Serial No- 53,752E.

Sheet stops or guides 20 are mounted upon rods 19 at convenient intervals preferably alternating with pulleys 27 and consist of stationary elements 20 fixedly mounted upon rods 19, see Fig. V, upper guide fingers 22, which are mounted upon the pivots 23 of respective elements 20 and extending across the gaps between rods 19 and rollers 12 partially encircles rollers 12 for purposes hereinafter set forth, and lower guide fingers 2i are pivotally mounted upon respective sta- 100 tionary. elements 20 at pivots 23. The movement of lower guide fingers 2* is restricted by projections25 and 26 of said fingers striking elements 20 when the limit of desired movement is reached. Additional rods 28 are employed which are carried by the chains 10 at points substantially equidistant from rods 19. Sheet stops 29 are fixedly mounted at intervals along rods 28.

Bearer tracks 11 are fixed to frames 37 and 38 by means of bolts 42. Rollers 12 engage said tracks while on both upper and lower stretches of chains 10 and are aided in their rotation by such engagement. Roll- 115 ers i3 are rotatably mounted upon rods 19 and 28 in line with tracks 41 engaging them and supporting said rods while on the upper stretch of chains 10. On the lower stretch of said chains rods 19 and 28 are sup- 120 ported by rollers 4i rotatably mounted on chains 10 engaging bearers 54 which are formed on frames 37 and 38. The chain links (50 upon which rollers H are mounted are extended to engage bearers 54 and s'up- 125 port chains 10 while on the lower stretch of travel. The links (31 opposite 60 are also extended for the same purpose.

Let the cycle of operation be followed from the position shown in Fig. I where the we delivery is just about to receive a sheet 30 positioned on the sheet conveyer 2. Said sheet impelled by conveyer mechanism 2 and directed by guide-fingers 3 is directed against sheet stops 20, which are timed in relation to the press to attain the receptive position indicated as said sheet conveyer 2, is about to discharge the sheet 30 over the-guide fingers 3. As the mechanism continues in-its cycle of operation said sheet 30 moves out over the delivery being still guided by sheet stops 20. It willbe noted that due to the rollers 12 rotating in a clockwise direction the upper or sheet bearing stretch of belts 14 progresses twice asfast as sheet stops 2O necessarily slidin under the supported sheet. The same condition occurs with reference to sheet stops 29. However this action of belts 14 has no effect upon the proper performance of the delivery function and permits advantages in construction and operation not to be otherwise obtained in this form of delivery.

As sheet 30 is being thus carried out preparatory to delivery, one of the rods 28 and sheet stops 29 are returning upon the lower stretch of chains 10 and at the proper time round sprockets 8 receiving a sheet 31 and guiding it in the same manner as do sheet stops 2O hereinbefore described. The delivery progresses until rods 19 are about to turn around sprockets 11, see Fig. II. Sheets 30 and 31 now lie upon the upper stretch of belts 14 in the manner indicated. As the roller 12 and rod 19 turn about sprockets 11, the stretch of belts 14, upon whichsheets 30 and 31 rest, lowers to the delivery level preparatory to delivering the sheets as full described in aforementioned United States atent No. 1,111,667. It will be noted. that by the above described mechanism I have provided a sheet supporting element moving outwardly during its receipt of the sheet to be carried and movin inwardly,

while supporting the same. to effect the discharge of the sheet, together with sheet stops in engagement with the sheet during the outward travel of the same, said sheetstopsmoving to a disengaged position while the sheet is discharged.

Simultaneous with rod 19 turning about sprockets 11 fingers 24, which are held approximately horizontal during their outward travel by projections 25 striking elements 20, turn of their own weight upon pivot 23 as far as projections 26 striking elements 20 will allow. See Fig. I and V. This change of position of said fingers 21 facilitates the discharge of the sheets upon the piling tables.

During the turn about sprockets 11 the upper guide fingers 22, whose positions are determined by the pivots 23 and rollers 12, which they partially encircle turnover and assume positions as indicated in Figs. I and V. In this position said fingers prevent sheets from catching between rollers 12 and rods 19 as said sheets are discharged upon the piling tables.

It will be noted that in the various positions oftravel rollers 12 are not always the ing or delivery stretch and becomes stationary. Meantime sheet stops 29, which have at this point only traveled about one half of their outward movement, continue said outward travel leaving sheet 31 resting upon said lower supporting or delivery stretch of belts 14.

Rollers 12 now move back along the lower stretch of chains 10 and wind the belts 14 from under the sheets 30 and 31, they being discharged upon the pilin tables or elevators 32 and 33 respectivei y.

Rod 28 follows roller 12 and rod 19 in. turning about sprockets 11 and returning over the lower stretch of chains 10 preparatory to turning about sprockets 8 and traveling out upon the upper stretch of chains 10, there again receiving sheets for delivery in the manner aforesaid. While one roller 12, rod 19 and 28 are operating in the performance of their proper functions upon the upper stretch of chains 10, the other roller 12, rod 19 and 28 are operating upon the lower stretch in the manner aforesaid. The same is true of my invention in all its variatiens.

Guide fingers 3 in their normal guiding position would interfere with rollers 12 and rods 19 and 28 passing around sprockets 8. To prevent such interference said fingers 3 are fixedly mounted upon a shaft 65 which is journaled in the press structure 1. At one extremity of shaft 65 a cam arm 66 is mounted engaging cam 67 mounted upon shaft 5 aforedescribed. The timing cam 67 is such that fingers 3 are raised to allow the aforesaid delivery members to pass around sprockets 8 without interference and lowered shortly after to properly guide the sheet.

The above describes the invention .adapted to deliver sheets upon two piles. Another adaptation is indicated in Fig. III in which sheets are being delivered in but one pile, the delivery mechanism being still used in its long form. This is accomplished by doubling the speed of the delivery in relation to the speed at which it is run when delivery is being made upon two piles, whereby but one pair of sheet stops, either 20 or 29. does not take sheets. Delivery may be made from either set of sheet stops, which it will be noted determines the pile upon is above which delivery is made. This choice of de livery points is attained by varying the timing of said sheet stops in relation to the time when a sheet'comes from the press to be delivered. In the use of this adaptation and when sheets are being delivered upon the outer piling table or elevator 32, being guided by sheet stops 20, rods 28 and appurtenant sheet stops 29 may be detached from the delivery, see Fig. III, in the following manner. See Fig. VIII. The stud of links 60 of chains 10 upon which roller 44 is mounted has an irregular recess 62. A correspondingly irregular projection 63 formed on the ends of rods 28 fits into said recess, said rods being thus engaged by chains 10 and held nomrotatable. To remove a rod 28 from the delivery mechanism, it is positioned at about the center of the upper stretch 'of chains 10, one end is lifted upward until a sufficient amount of chaln 10 frames 37 and 38, then chain 10 is pulled outwardly, the, slack rendering it flexible enough, until the end 63 'of rod 28 slips out of recess 62, whereupon the chain is released and the rod removed by withdrawing the other end of the rod from its recess in link 60 of the other chain 10. For convenient assembly all of the transverse members of the delivery are engaged by chains 10 in a like manner.

Fig. V shows a further adaptation of the invention. The delivery in this form delivers upon the inner piling table or elevator 33. The operation of the various parts is the same asbefore described except that chains 10 have been shortened to one half the length employed in the former long form of delivery. Belts 14 are shortened to correspond and rods 28 and appurtenant sheet stops removed with the shortening of chains 10. The-speed of chains 10 is the same as in the first described adaptation. This is due to the-fact that, though only two sets of sheet stops are now delivering the same amount of sheets, chains 10 have been shortened by one half and said sheet stops travel but one half the distance per cycle that they do in the former adaptation.

Chains 10 are easily shortened by the employment of detachable links 35 at appropriate places as indicated. Belts 14 are also readily shortened by the employment H of buckles '36 which allow the surplus to be taken out or inserted as is required;

The position of sprockets 11 is accommodated to the shortened chains 10 by the removal of frames 38 from frames 37 by means of bolts 39 and the placing of stud bolts 40 upon which sprockets 11 are mounted into holes 55 inframes 37, said holes being horizontally elongated to accommodate slight variations in the length of chains 10. When the short form of delivery is used a bearer track 56 is substituted for bearer track 41, which is used in the long form.

As before stated two speeds are necessary for the delivery to be operated in the forms above set forth. Thisis accomplished by the driving mechanism indicated in Figs. VI, VII, and IX. The 'aforedescribed .gear 4, which drives the delivery mechanism through pinion 6, is fixedly mounted upon shaft 5, which is 'journaled in the press structure 1. Fixedly mounted upon shaft 5 is sprocket 45 upon which runs chain 46, said chain also engaging sprocket 47 loosely mounted upon shaft 48 of the press mechanism, Loosely mounted on 'shaft 5 is another sprocket- 49 upon which runs chain '50, said chain also engaging sprocket 51'fixedly mounted upon shaft 48. Iii the. web of sprockets 51 and 47 are holes 53 at equal distances from their axis. There are similar holes 53 in the webs of sprockets 45 and 49. A stud 52 is employed, which accomplishes the drive of the delivery mechanism by its insertion into either holes 53 in sprockets 45 and 49, or those of 47 and 51'. If inserted into holes 53 of sprockets 45 and 49 a drive through chain 50 is efiected, whereas, if inserted into holes 53 of sprockets 47 and 51 a drive through chain 46 is effected. In the specific construction indicated in the drawings the delivery in its short form and'in it's long form when delivering upon two piles is driven through chain 46, while in the long form when delivering upon but one pile it is driven through. chain 50, sprockets '51 and 49 being of such a ratio as to double the speed of the delivery mechanism in relation to that obtained by drive through sprockets 47 and 45 and chain 46.

In order that a selection may be easily made, while delivering upon one pile and using the delivery in its long form, see Fig. 111, sprocket wheel 51 is secured to shaft 48 by set screw 68,-by which said sprocket-51 may be timed in relation to shaft 48 so that the desired sheet stops receive the sheet and deliver it upon the selected pile.

Having fully described my invention. 1 claim 1. A sheet delivery mechanism "including a sheet supporting belt element, a roller structure engaging said belt element,1an independent transverse structure over which the sheet passes, and means for closing the gap between said roller and transverse structures, said means being loosely pivoted on said roller and engaging said transverse structure.

2. A sheet carrier including a sheet supporting element means for causing the sheet face, while supporting such sheet, to descend to a lower level; and mechanism where- 0 by the place where the sheets are discharged from the sheet supporting element may be varied.

3. A sheet carrier including a sheet supporting element; means for causing the sheet supporting surface of said element to travel in an upper level during its receipt of the sheet to be carried and for causing said surface, While supporting such sheet, to descend to a lower level; and mechanism whereby the length of the sheet supporting element may be altered to vary the place of discharge of the sheets.

4. A sheet carrier including a sheet supporting element; means for causing the sheet supporting surface of said element to travel in an upper level duringits receipt of the sheet to be carried and for causing said surface, while supporting such sheet, to descend to a lower level; and mechanism whereby sheets may be discharged from said sheetsupporting elementupon a plurality of piles.

5. A sheet carrier including a sheet supporting element; means for. causing the sheet supporting surface of said element to.

travel in an upper level during its receipt of the sheet to be carried and for causing said surface, while supporting such sheet, to descend to a lower level; and a plurality of sto s for arresting progress of the sheets at di erent' places to cause such sheets to be deposited upon different piles.

6. A sheet carrier including an endless sheet supporting belt element; means for causing the sheet supporting surface of said element to travel in an upper level during its receipt of the sheet to be carried and for causing said surface, while supporting sheet, to descend to a lower level and mechanism whereby the place where the sheets are discharged from the sheet supporting element may be varied.

7. A sheet carrier including an endlesssheet supporting belt element; means for causing the sheet supporting surface of said element to travel in an upper level during its receipt of the sheet to be carried and for causing said surface, while supporting such sheet, to descend to a lower level; and mechanism whereby the length of the sheet supporting element may be altered to vary the place of discharge of the sheets.

8. A sheet carrier including an endless sheet supporting belt element; means for causing the sheet supporting surface of said element to travel in'an upper level during its receipt of the sheet to be carried and for causing said surface, while supporting such sheet, to descend to a lower level; and mechanism whereby sheets may be discharged from said sheet supporting elementupon a plurality of piles. 9. A sheet carrier including an endless sheet supporting belt element; means for causing the sheet supporting surface of said element to travel in an upper level during'its receipt of the sheet to be carried and for causing said surface, while supporting such sheet, to descend to'a lower level; and a plurality of stops for arresting progress of the sheets at different places to cause such sheets to be deposited upon different piles.

1'0..A sheet carrier including an endless sheet supporting belt element; means for causing the sheet supporting surface of said element to travel in an upper level during its receipt of the sheet to be carried and for causing said surface, While supporting such sheet, to descend to a lower level; and a plu rality of stops for arresting progress of the sheets, while being carried by said belt element, at different places to cause such sheets to be deposited upon different piles.

11. A sheet carrier including an endless sheet supporting belt element; means for causing the sheet supporting surface of said element to travel in an, upper level during its receipt of the sheet to be carried and for causing said surface, while supporting such sheet, to descend to a lower level; a plurality of stops for arresting progress of the sheets at different places to cause such sheets to be deposited upon different piles; and means for causin the travel .of said stops about said belt e ement.

12. A sheet carrier including a sheet supporting element adapted to carry and deliver sheets to different points; driving means therefor; and mechanism included in said driving means for varying the timing of said sheet supporting element to effect the delivery of sheets at the desired point.

13. A sheet carrier includin a sheet supporting element; a plurality 0 stops for arresting the progress of sheets at different places to cause such sheets to be deposited upon different piles; and means for causing the travel of said stops about said sheet supportin element,

14. sheet carrier including an endless sheet supporting belt element; a plurality of stops for arresting the progress of sheets at different places to cause such sheets to be deposited upon different piles; and means for causing the travel of said stops about said sheet supporting element.

15. A sheet carrier includin a sheetsupporting element; a plurality 0 stops for arresting the progress" of sheets at different places to cause such sheets to be deposited upon different piles; and means for causing the travel of said stops.

16. A sheet carrier including an endless sheet supporting. belt element; a plurality of stops for arresting the progress of sheets at different places to cause such sheets to be deposited upon different piles; and means for causing the travel of said stops.

17-. A sheet carrier including a sheet supporting element; means for causing the sheet supporting surface of said element to travel in an upper level during its receipt of the sheet to be carried and for causing said surface, while supporting such sheet, to descend to a lower level; and stop mechanism for arresting the progress of the sheets at difi'erent places to cause such sheets to be deposited upon different piles.

18 A sheet carrier including a sheet supporting element; means for causing the sheet supporting surface of said element to travel in an upper level during its receipt of the sheet to be carried and for causing said surface, while supporting such sheet,-to descend to a lower level; and stop mechanism for arresting the progress of the sheets, while carried by said belt element, at differentplaces to cause such sheets to be deposited upon-different piles.

19. A sheet carrier including an endless sheet supporting belt element; means for causing the sheet supporting surface of said element to travel in an upper level during its receipt of the sheet to be carried and for causing said surface, while supporting such sheet, to descend to a lower level; and stop mechanism for arresting progress of the sheets at different places to cause such sheets to be deposited upon different piles.

20. A sheet carrier including an endless sheet supporting belt element; means for causing the sheet supporting surface of said element to travel in an upper level during its receipt of the sheet to be carried and for causing said surface, while supporting such sheet, to descend to a lower level; and stop mechanism for arresting progress of the sheets, while carried by said belt element, at different places to cause such sheets to be deposited upon different piles.

21. A sheet carrier-including an endless sheet supporting belt element; means for causing the sheet supporting surface of said element to travel in an upper level during its receipt of the sheet to be carried and for causing said surface, while supporting such sheet, to descend to a lower level; stop mechanism for arresting progress of the sheets at different places to cause such sheets to be deposited upon different piles; and means for causing the'travel of said stop mechanism about said belt element.

22. A sheet carrier including a sheet sup: porting element; stop mechanism for arresting the progress of sheets at different places to cause such sheets to be deposited upon different piles; and means for causing the menace for causing the travel of said stop mechanism about said sheet supporting element.

24:- A sheet carrier including a sheet supporting element; traveling stop mechanism for controlling the progress of sheets during the movement of the same into discharging position to cause such sheets to be deposited upon different piles; and means for causing the travel of said stop mechanism.

25. A sheet carrier including an endless sheet supporting belt element; traveling stop mechanism. for controlling the progress of sheets during the movement of the same into discharging position to cause such sheets to be deposited upon different piles; and means for causing th travel of said stop mechanism.

26. sheet carrier including a sheet supporting element; means for causing the sheet supporting surface of said element to travel in an upper level during its receipt of the sheet to be carried and for causing said surface, whlle supporting such sheet, to descend to a lower level; and means for ad ust1ng -the speed of operation of the sheet support- 27. A sheet carrier. including an endless sheet supporting belt element; means for causing the sheet supporting surface of said element to travel in an upper level during its receipt of the sheet to be carried and for causing said. surface, while supporting such sheet, to descend to a lower level; and means for adjusting the speed of operation of the sheet supporting element to vary the num ber of places of discharge ofthe sheets.

28. A sheet carrier including an endless traveling sheet supporting belt element; and means for changing the speed of such sheet supporting element to vary the number of places of discharge of the sheets.

29. A sheet carrier including an endless traveling sheet supporting belt element; and means for changing the speed of such sheet supporting element to vary the number of places of discharge of the sheets.

30. A sheet carrier including a sheet supporting element adapted to carry the sheet outwardly to the point of discharge and to move inwardly to discharge the sheet, and means for changing the speed of said sheet supporting element to vary the number of places of discharge.

31. A sheet carrier including a sheet supporting element adapted to carry and deliver a plurality of sheets to different points; means for changing the speed of said supporting element to vary the number of points of delivery; and means for selecting the points of delivery when said first mentioned means is adjusted to cause delivery at a reduced number of points.

32. A sheet carrier including a sheet suporting element adapted to carry and deiver a plurality of sheets to different points; means for changing the speed of said supporting element to vary the number of points of delivery, and means for changing the timing of said sheet supporting element to selectthe place of deposit when said first mentioned means is adjusted to cause delivery at a reduced number of points.

33. A sheet'earri'er including a sheet supporting element adapted to carry the sheets outwardly to the point of discharge and to move inwardly to discharge the sheets; and means cooperating with said sheet supporting element for adjusting the sheets upon the sheet supporting element to select the place of deposit.

3 A sheet carrier including a sheet supporting element adapted to carry the sheets outwardly to the point of discharge and to move inwardly to discharge the sheets; means for effecting adjustment to limit the deposit of sheets to a reduced number of piles; and means cooperating with said sheet supporting element for adjusting the sheets upon the sheet supporting element to select the place of deposit when said first mentioned means is adjusted to cause delivery to a reduced number of piles.

35. A sheet carrierincluding a sheet supporting element adapted to carry the sheets outwardly to the point of discharge and to move inwardly to discharge the sheets; means for effecting adjustment to limit the deposit of sheets to a reduced number of piles; and means cooperating with said sheet supporting element for adjusting the sheets upon the sheet supporting element to select the place of deposit when said first mentioned means is adjusted to cause delivery to a reduced number of piles.

36. A sheet carrier including a sheet supporting element; means for causing the sheet supporting surface of said elementto travel in an upper level during its receipt of the sheet to be carriedand for causing said sur face, while supporting such sheet, to descend to a lower level; and means cooperating with said sheet supporting element for adjusting the sheets upon the sheet supporting element to select the place of deposit.

37. A sheet carrier including a sheet sup porting element; means for causing the sheet supporting surface of said element to travel in an upper level during its receipt of the sheet to be carried and for causing said sur-' face, while supporting such sheet, to descend to a lower level; means for effecting adjustment to limitthe deposit of sheets to a reduced number ofpiles; and means cooperating with said sheet supporting element for adjusting the sheets upon the sheet support ing element to select the place of deposit when said first mentioned means is adjusted to cause delivery to a reduced number of piles.

38. A sheet carrier including an endless sheet supporting belt element; means for causing the sheet supporting surface of said element to travelin an upper level during its receipt of the sheet to be carried and for causing said surface, while supporting such sheet, to descend to a lower level; and means cooperating with said sheet supporting ele ment for adjusting the sheets upon the sheet supporting element to select the place of deposit.

39. A sheet carrier including an endless sheet supporting belt element; means for causing the sheet supporting surface'of said element to travel in an upper level during its receipt of the sheet to be carried and for causing said surface, while supporting such sheet, to descend to a lower level; means for effecting adjustment to limit the deposit of sheets to a reduced number of piles; and means cooperating with said sheet supporting element for adjusting the sheets upon the sheet supporting element to select the place of deposit when said first mentioned means is adjusted to cause delivery to a reduced number of piles.

40. A sheet carrier including a sheet supporting element; means for causing the sheet supporting surface of said element to travel in an upper level during its receipt of the sheet to be carried and for causing said surface, while supporting such sheet, to descend to a lower level; a plurality of stops for arresting progress of the sheets at different places to cause such sheets to be deposited upon differentpiles; and means for causing the travel of said stops about said element.

41. Asheet carrier including a supporting structure adapted for movement outwardly and inwardly and a sheet stop mechanism adapted for movement outwardly and inwardly with said supporting structure, and so. timed relatively to said supporting structure. that said sheet stop mechanism is moving outwardly during the initial movement of said supporting structure inwardly.

42. A sheet carrier including a sheet sup porting structure adapted for movement in a path outwardly on one level and inwardly on another level; a sheet stop mechanism adapted for movement outwardly and inwardly in a similar path and so timed relatively to said supporting structure that said sheet stop mechanism ismoving outwardly during the initial movement-of said supportin structure inwardly.

43. sheet carrier including a supporting structure adapted for movement in a defined path outwardly, turning back, and moving inwardly, a sheet stop mechanism adapted for movement in substantially the same path and so timed relatively to said supporting element that said sheet stop mechanism is moving outwardly on said path during the initial movement of said supporting element inwardly on said path.

44. A sheet carrier including a belt element, a supporting structure supporting the outer end of said belt element, means for supporting the inner end of said belt element, said supporting structure being adapted vfor movement in a defined path outwardly of said supporting means, turning back, and inwardly, the outwardly moving and inwardly moving portions of said path being substantially parallel to said belt element, a sheet stop mechanism adapted to position sheets upon said belt element when said supporting structure is moving outwardly, and moving in substantially the same path and so timed relatively to said supporting structure that said sheet stop mechanism continues to move outwardly on said path during the initial movement of said supporting structure inwardly on said ath.

p 45. A sheet carrier including a sheet supporting element; means for causing the heet supporting element to travel outwardly during its receipt of the sheet to be carried and for causingsaid supporting element while supporting the sheet to move inwardly to discharge the sheet; and.-mechanism whereby the place where the sheets are discharged from the sheet supporting element may be varied.

46. A sheet carrier including a sheet supporting element; means for causing the sheet supporting element to travel outwardly during its receipt of-the sheet to be carried and for causing said supporting element while supporting the sheet to move inwardly to discharge the sheet; and mechanism whereby the efi'ective length of the sheet supporting element may be altered to vary the place of discharge of the sheets.

47. A sheet carrier including a sheet supporting element; means for causing the sheet supporting element to travel outwardly during its receipt of the sheet to be carried and for causing said supporting element while supporting the sheet to move inwardly to discharge the sheet; and a plurality of stops for arresting progress of the sheets at different places to cause such sheets to be deposited upon difi'erent piles 48. A sheet carrier including an endless sheet supporting belt element; means for causing the sheet supporting element to travel outwardly during its receipt of the sheet to be carried and for causing said supporting element'while supporting the sheet to move inwardly to discharge the sheet; and mechanism whereby the place where the sheets are discharged from the sheet supporting element may be varied.

memes 49. A sheet carrier including an endless sheet supporting belt element; means for causing the sheet supporting element to travel outwardly during its receipt of the sheet to be carried and for causing said supporting element while supporting the sheet to move inwardly to discharge the sheet; and mechanism whereby the effective length of the-sheet supporting element may be alpiles.

51. A sheet carrier including an endless sheet supporting belt element; means for causing the sheet supporting element to travel outwardly during its receipt of the sheet tobe carried and for causing said supporting element while supporting the sheet to move inwardly to discharge the sheet; a

plurality of stops for arresting progress of the sheets at different places to cause such sheets to be deposited upon difi'erent piles;

and means for causing the travel of said stops about said belt element.

52. A sheet carrier including a sheet supporting element; means for causing the sheet supporting element to travel outwardly during its receipt of the sheet to be carried and for causing said supporting element while supporting the sheet to move inwardly to discharge the sheet; and stop :mechanism for arresting the progress of the sheets at different places to cause such" sheets to be deposited upon diflerent piles.

53. A sheet carrier including an endless sheet supporting belt element; means for causing the sheet supporting element to travel outwardly during its receipt of the sheet to be carried and for causing said supporting element while supporting the sheet to move inwardly to discharge the sheet; stop mechanism for arresting progress of the sheets at different places to cause such sheets to be deposited upon different piles; and means for causing the travel of said stop mechanism about said belt element.

54. .A sheet carrier including a sheet supporting element; means for causing the sheet supporting element to travel outsheet supporting element to vary the number of places of discharge of the sheets. 55. A sheet carrier including an endless sheet supporting belt element; means for causing the sheet supporting element to travel outwardly during its receipt of the sheet to be carried and for causlng said supporting element while supporting the sheet to move inwardl to discharge the sheet; and-means for ad uSting the speed of operation of the sheet supporting element to vary the number of. places of discharge of the sheets.

'efl'ecting adjustment to limit the deposit of sheets to a reduced number of piles; and

means cooperating with said sheet supporting element for adjusting the sheets upon the sheet supporting element to select the place of deposit when said first mentioned means is ad usted to cause delivery to a reduced number of piles.

57. A sheet-carrier including a sheet supporting element; means for causing the sheet supporting element to travel outwardly during its receipt of the sheet to be carried and for causing said supporting element while supporting the sheet to move inwardly to discharge the sheet; a plurality of stops for arresting progress of the sheets at difl'erent places to cause such sheets to be deposited upon difi'erent piles; and means for causing the travel of said stops about said element.

ROBERT MIEHLE. Witnesses:

M. M. TURNER, R. F. Mmmin, Jr. 

